Adventure to Pag

These days, the inspiration for a sea travelogue has returned, so today, I will write about what I used for travel, what I ate and drank, and saw on the island of Pag. I found the standard transportation through BlablaCar, so my departure in front of Golubica in Vukovar at 3:30 in the morning turned into another new adventure.

I met Tomislav and Lidija, middle-aged people who were traveling to Kornati. I slept for the first three hours of the trip, and then, when I got to my senses, I joined the conversation and somehow managed to answer Lidija’s question: “Sorry, but how is it that on the application it says that you live in Novi Sad, you boarded in Vukovar, and you’re traveling to Plitvice, and we’re leaving you in Zadar?” – My Lidija, wait until you hear. Then I explained to her that I was going to Plitvice with my uncle and that my father would pick me up in Zadar because he was also going to my uncle’s place, and that he was currently on Pag. Lidija shrugs her shoulders and makes that stupid face when you don’t understand anything, and says – aha.

Of course, when we reached my destination, I thanked Tomislav and Lidia and wished them a wonderful vacation in Kornati. Lidija shouts – “Sure (read sarcasticly), only goats enjoy themselves there under a stone.” I smiled and waved goodbye to my new BlablaCar friends. The route Vukovar – Zadar cost 26.5 euros, just so you know the benefits of sharing transportation. There was a new drama, because Dragan, my only father, as usual, was an hour late, and I used the timing to sunbathe a little at the tollgate and boldly wish all passing passengers a safe trip.

We spent two days in Lika, rested a bit, but also drove the tractor and drank some local plum rakija (hr. Šljivovica). The family was amazed more by how much I could drink, than the tattoo they first saw on my arm. The little one went wild.

We left for Pag, Novalja to be exact, and that’s where the relaxing atmosphere in my head finally started. Since I was alone in the apartment, my head filled with all the nessasary batteries – to mention, every trip as a single person gives you a greater chance to enjoy and visit what you want and meet new people “willingly or not” along the way. I spent the first day on the beach, ambitiously applying oil for faster tan, where I casually took off the top part of my swimsuit “so that I don’t end up with streaks” that I dragged from the Novi Sad kayak ride. Of course, I was red as a crab fryed in olive oil. Relaxing on the beach, looking at the salty, blue sea, and soaking up the sun’s rays are equally important for organism.

On the second day, my father suggested that we go to the city of Pag. Along the way, he explained to me why the place on Pag is called Pag, it was relatively confusing because why on earth does an island not have a single name, but a name for each small hamlet? Novalja is about 20 km from Pag, and you can get there by car, van, bus, bicycle or your legs if they are in shape.

City of Pag, Photo: Dreamstime

Pag is famous for Pag cheese, salt, wild olives, lace, and good coffee on the waterfront, admittedly two euros, damn… I guess you pay for the island quality. Magnets, unlike in Novalja, where they cost 3 euros, were 1.5 euros, and the kindness of the aunty at the stand is equal to happiness when you pass the most difficult exam at college. Kudos to the aunty from the cashier. Also, in Novalja, I ate at the restaurant Moby Dick, Starac i more, as well as local “fast food” that I would single out as a good snack on the way. Moby Dick has a top pizza with seafood, as well as calamari and salad with feta cheese. Souvenirs can be found on every corner, as well as sodas, which you should avoid if you are thirsty, because – 2 euros is the average price for 0.5l of juice or water.

Zrće is a “spring call” for youth, and I am an open-minded woman! I would also recommend the Lun olive gardens, which are located at the very end of the island in the town of Lun, where you have the opportunity to see wild olives that are a few years old. Father was not thrilled, while I enjoyed every tree. It is located about 20 km from Novalja.

Zrće Beach – Novalja, Photo: Dreamstime

In short, there are ATMs on every corner in Novalja, the post office has friendly employees, the beaches are rocky, if you like stone and olives. I would say the sea, but maybe only for me, much saltier than other places on the Adriatic that I have been to, and it’s not like I haven’t been. Apartments can be found per person for 40-50 euros per night, and you can arrive either by ferry or over the Pag bridge – by land. The ferry is more expensive, has a better atmosphere and takes longer than via the bridge, which is about 40 km further, but cheaper and faster if you come from the direction of Posedarje.

Pag bridge, Photo: Dreamstime

A scooter is, of course, a favorite means of transportation, and if you like to walk here is your chance. As for shops, you have Tommy, Plodine, and Konzum, which are known to everyone.

I also recommend hookahs, which are 30 euros for an hour, and the staff is really sweet and friendly. A lot of foreigners come, so if you are single, heaven is yours, because there are many young people eager to have a good time. And I’m still in that category, I guess. 🙂

Pag beach, Photo: Unsplash